Background: St Thomas More (1478 – 1535) was born into an upper-class family in London. He was educated at St Anthony’s School, deemed “one of the finest available”. He studied classics at Oxford University and became fluent in Latin and Greek but left university after only two years for a legal career. He was elected to Parliament in 1504 and thereafter, began a long political career to the office of Lord Chancellor. However, it came to an abrupt end when he opposed the King’s marriage annulment to Queen Catherine of Aragon and among other things, opposed the supremacy of the English Crown, which belittled the Papacy. For these acts, St Thomas More was tried for treason and executed.
(Novena Dates: 14th June – 22nd June)
Dear St. Thomas More, in your earthly life, you were a model of prudence. You never thrust yourself rashly into any serious undertaking; instead, you tested the strength of your powers and waited on God’s will in prayer and penance, then boldly carried it out without hesitation. Through your prayers and intercession, obtain for me the virtues of patience, prudence, wisdom and courage.
Pray: Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
Glorious St. Thomas More, I beg you to take up my cause, confident that you will advocate for me before God’s Throne with the same zeal and diligence that marked your career on earth. If it be in accord with God’s will, obtain for me the favour I seek, namely:
(Share your request) and the election of state and local leaders who will defend life, marriage and religious liberty.
V. Pray for us, O Blessed St. Thomas More.
R. That we may faithfully follow you on the hard road that leads to the narrow gate of eternal life.
Litany
V. Lord, have mercy R. Lord, have mercy.
V. Christ, have mercy R. Christ have mercy
V. Lord, have mercy R. Lord, have mercy.
V. Christ hear us R. Christ, graciously hear us
V. St. Thomas More, Saint and Martyr, R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers. R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges and Magistrates. R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life. R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ. R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage. R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith. R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Defender of the Weak and the Poor. R. Pray for us.
V. St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity. R. Pray for us.
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. R. Spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. R. Have mercy on us.
Let us pray:
O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martyrdom and sainthood. Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defence and promotion of the sanctity of human life – the foundation of all other human rights. We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.
